BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Jonathan Perry, UAB's starter at quarterback, said that the Blazers are moving in the right direction on offense. He also knows the calendar is quickly moving toward the Sept. 1 season opener against Troy at Legion Field.

He said he's feels the urgency during practice.

"During the spring, it was months on the countdown, now it's days and weeks," Perry said. "We're trying to get it down pat and trying to perfect it before the first game."

UAB offensive coordinator Jeff Brohm said he's pleased with the progression of the offense, even though they have a long way to go before being ready to start the season.

"I think they are feeling more comfortable each and every day, especially when we are in padded practices in as close to live settings as we can be," Brohm said. "We like our skill players and we have to find a way to get them the ball. I think all our guys are feeling comfortable in what we are doing and now it's just a matter of putting them in as many 11-on-11 team settings so they can get though any kinks that need to be worked out."

*UAB practiced in full pads on Tuesday morning. It was the eighth practice of fall camp and followed the first two-a-day sessions on Monday. The Blazers will practice twice on Wednesday.

*Defensive tackle Connor Boyett took part in drills on Tuesday but defensive end Diaheem Watkins is still limited.

*Running back Bashr Coles is no longer wearing a red jersey during practice. The 5-foot-11, 212-pound redshirt freshman participated in contact work the past two days.